From Ghana to Denver: A Journey of Empowerment
Build the Bridges That Change Lives: Stories Like Priscilla’s Begin with You
Meet Priscilla Asante, Founder & CEO Rosswood Company Ltd.
Meet Priscilla Asante, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Ghana and the founder of Rosswood, a sustainable cashew snack business with a global following. Rosswood is more than just a snack company — it’s a lifeline for more than 60 Ghanian women farmers, providing economic opportunity and stability in their community.
In the summer of 2023, Priscilla joined the International Visitor Leadership Program hosted by WorldDenver in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. During her time in Denver, Priscilla and her exchange cohort met with inspiring local women-owned businesses and organizations like the Women’s Bean Project, the Village Exchange Center, and Spinster Sisters to explore the intersections of community, business, and social impact.
“Focus on empowering women aligns closely with our mission…Our initiatives with women farmers aim to improve their living standards, train them in sustainable farming practices, and enable the production of premium raw cashew nuts.”
Denver's Warm Connection Sparked a Global Connection
While her program included stops in multiple cities, Priscilla found Denver particularly impactful.
“Denver stood out for its vibrant business ecosystem. Through these visits, we observed that sustainability and authenticity were core values in American enterprises.”
The meaningful connections built through WorldDenver’s programming deepened her appreciation for the city and its supportive women-led entrepreneurial community.
Energized by her experience, Priscilla returned to Ghana and applied for Denver’s Global Landing Pad — an annual program facilitated by Denver Economic Development and Opportunity that encourages foreign businesses to base their U.S. headquarters in Denver.
Through the Landing Pad program, Priscilla returned to Denver, participated in International Day at Start-up Week, and began laying the foundation to bring Rosswood — and its positive economic impact — to the United States.
“As the program progressed, I felt inspired to establish a business in Denver. With immense help and guidance from the organizers, the process of setting up my business was seamless and efficient, fueling my drive to thrive in this dynamic environment.”
Priscilla highlighted that Rosswood’s cashews, grown and processed entirely in Ghana, retain their nutrients, reduce carbon emissions and offer traceable sourcing — key appeals in the U.S. market.
Global Exchange Benefits Denver's Local Economy
Priscilla’s story is just one of many. Each year, WorldDenver hosts 50+ exchange programs, welcoming more than 600 community leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, students, and professional fellows from 125 countries. As one of the top exchange organizations in the country, WorldDenver facilitates programs focused on critical topics like climate sustainability, gender equality, democracy and elections, entrepreneurship, and combating human trafficking and violent extremism. These programs create transformative experiences for participants while leaving lasting effects on Denver.
WorldDenver’s exchange programs generate a remarkable 11-to-1 return on investment, delivering more than $2 million in direct economic benefits to our city annually.
Bring More Stories Like Priscilla's to Life
Priscilla’s journey highlights the power of international exchange programs to create lasting change. Through her business, Rosswood, she’s transforming lives in Ghana, and is ready do the same here in Denver.
But programs like these need your help. With uncertainty in Washington, we rely on community support to continue hosting exchange programs that bring influential leaders like Priscilla to Denver.
Your Colorado Gives Day contribution helps make Denver a global destination for economic opportunity, innovation, and connection.